Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Lakes & Dales by Rail

Lakes & Dales by Rail, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Experience the tranquil beauty of the Lakes and Dales by steam train. Let Great Rail Journeys transport you to a world of natural splendour and nostalgia.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Wetheral

    Arrive in the scenic village of Wetheral

    Your holiday begins as you arrive independently at the Crown Hotel, Wetheral, meeting the Tour Manager and the rest of the group. Situated in a picturesque village, close to the Scottish border and the city of Carlisle, this is the perfect base for explorations. With time at leisure before dinner at the hotel this evening, you could get to know the village. Head out for a stroll along the banks of the River Eden, or seek out its 16th-century church, Benedictine priory and traditional village green. This triangular green is dominated by the ornate brick-built Eden Bank constructed in 1834 and features Wetheral Cross standing in one corner.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Wetheral

    Visiting the picturesque town of Windermere

    After breakfast, transfer by coach to Haverthwaite where you board a steam train to Lakeside, on the southern shore of Windermere. A cruise takes you across Windermere to the town of Bowness. In Bowness, there is time at leisure to explore the town, including the option to visit the house of Beatrix Potter. On the way back to Wetheral by coach, pause in pretty Grasmere, once home to William Wordsworth, where you can try Grasmere gingerbread made since 1854. *Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Wetheral

    Discover Ravenglass and the historic Muncaster Castle

    The coach takes you to Ravenglass. In Ravenglass, a steam-hauled rail journey to Dalegarth awaits aboard the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, one of the oldest minimum-gauge heritage railways in England, originally opened in 1875. From Dalegarth, rejoin the coach and head to Muncaster Castle, owned by the Pennington family for more than 800 years. *Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead. Please Note: For departures 14th June and 6th September, Days 3 and 4 have swapped around.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Wetheral

    Exploring Skipton and riding the Settle to Carlisle Railway

    A spectacular journey to Skipton on the Settle to Carlisle line awaits after breakfast. The route took seven years to complete before its opening in 1875. The train cuts through hills, mountains and valleys, over marshland and rivers, entering the Yorkshire Dales and passing over the majestic Ribblehead Viaduct. In Skipton, explore the market town's cobbled streets and Skipton Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress. After the scenic return journey to Carlisle, the coach takes you back to Wetheral for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5

    Homeward bound

    After a leisurely breakfast, your holiday comes to an end today. You may choose to spend more time exploring independently before making your way home.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 4 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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